Blue Mountains Tours
South Coast Tours
Southern Highlands Tours
Sydney Adventure Tours
Sydney City Tours
Sydney Winery Tours
Looking for the best day trips from Sydney as you plan your perfect Australian travel itinerary? Look no further!
As local Sydney tour guides, we’ve got the insider knowledge on the best excursions you can take from Sydney, day trips well-travelled and well-researched. Sydney has amazing regions to explore in all directions, and with one of the best climates in the world for being outdoors, the toughest choice will be what to leave out of your Sydney itinerary.
Before we start, it’s worth mentioning that your choice of Sydney day trip might be affected by the time of year you visit. We enjoy relatively mild winters with short days, and very hot summers with long days and daylight until after 8 pm. For more information on this, check out our post on the best time to visit Sydney.
So, let’s get day-travelling!
On this trip, you’re technically still within the Sydney region, but outside the city for the most part. So why do it? It’s a great Sydney tour itinerary for maximum sightseeing with minimum travel time. Escape the bustle of the city to the north and find stunning harbour and ocean views, secluded waterways, accessible national parks, ancient Aboriginal rock art, great hiking options, sumptuous local food and wine away from the crowds. And plenty of time in the afternoon to take in Sydney Harbour, Bondi Beach, and other Sydney icons. Tour Time needed: 5 – 8 hours.
The Blue Mountains are one of the all-time classic day trips from Sydney and for good reason. This spectacular region is 1 million hectares of UNESCO-protected national park on the doorstep of the city, famous for its breathtaking valleys, cool, temperate rainforests, crisp elevated air, quaint villages like Leura, and an array of easy short hikes. Take a Blue Mountains private tour with our guides who know the area best, taking you to remote viewpoints that will take your breath away. There’s also the possibility of visiting a spectacular local winery in the region, and of course, there is no shortage of amazing lunch options. Finish the day with a private harbour cruise back into the city for the perfect Sydney day trip. Time needed: 9 – 10 hours, or overnight as an extended option.
Looking to visit one of the best wine regions near Sydney but without the crowds and long travel times? A Southern Highlands day trip is a fantastic choice for the more discerning traveller, offering a ‘road less travelled’ experience with plenty of upsides. The region is much closer to Sydney than the Hunter Valley, and the drive there is a highlight of the day if taken along the scenic coastal road through the Royal National Park and the south coast. Once you have climbed from the coast into the Southern Highlands, you will find charming villages, lush countryside, cool-climate wineries, world-class cuisine, award-winning gardens, and much more. It’s Sydney day touring at its best. Time needed: 10 hours or overnight as an extended option.
The Royal National Park or ‘the Royal’ as it’s affectionately known by locals, is another of the best Sydney day trips destinations that flies under the radar. Officially the oldest national park in Australia (and the second oldest in the world), this is an amazing region to explore that is very close to Sydney at less than an hour of driving time. Famous for pristine beaches, coastal rainforest, dramatic sea cliffs, and amazing hiking options, ‘the Royal’ is a great option for the more adventurous but can equally be enjoyed at a more leisurely pace too. Start the day with some serenity with a short paddle at Audley, head to Wattamolla for a swim or short walk, stop at Otford for sweeping views down the coast, meet some cuddly native animals at Symbio Wildlife Park, and have lunch above the Pacific Ocean at the famous Scarborough Hotel. Great option to escape the crowds and get close to nature. Time needed: 6 – 9 hours.
The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest, and one of its largest, wine regions and is around 2 hours drive north of Sydney city. There are over 150 wineries to explore, and it can be enjoyed on a day trip from Sydney or extended into an overnight trip to include a day in the stunning Port Stephens nearby. The varietals you can enjoy in the Hunter Region include whites like semillon, chardonnay, verdelho, and reds like Australia’s famous shiraz. To add to the enjoyment of the day, there is some amazing local cuisine to enjoy at the likes of Bistro Molines, and Leaves & Fishes. Add a hot air balloon ride, scenic heliflight, or explore the wine scene more with an in-depth winemaking and tasting tour. A Hunter Valley private tour will reveal the best local experiences in a way that can be tailored to suit. Time needed: 11 hours. Or overnight as an extended option which could also include Port Stephens on Day 2.
Travel Tip: If you are looking for Sydney Airport Parking, then you can book easily online to save money on your vacation. By booking in advance, you will find the best deals and avoid having to pay for expensive airport car parks.
Okay, shameless plug time…yes, they can. We provide private Sydney tours and beyond for discerning travellers from around the world and can cater to solo travellers, couples, families, and groups of up to 20. For any questions, feel free to contact us.
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